Stay Tuned: Fall TV Preview

Melissa Crawley More Content Now

Wednesday

Aug 29, 2018 at 11:43 AMAug 29, 2018 at 11:43 AM

With so much television to choose from across a variety of platforms, summer television isn’t the wasteland it used to be but there is still something exciting about new fall shows. So grab a pumpkin spiced treat and settle in. In no particular order, here are my top five network and cable/streaming shows to check out this season.

“A Million Little Things.” ABC. Sept. 26. Get the tissues ready. Touted as the next “This Is Us,” “A Million Little Things” has big, emotional shoes to fill. The show follows a group of friends who decide to really live life after an unexpected loss brings them back together. “Grimm’s” David Giuntoli stars, which is one reason to watch.

“Murphy Brown.” CBS. Sept. 27. The most promising of this season’s reboots, which include “Magnum P.I.” and “Charmed,” this classic comedy returns with Candice Bergen, Faith Ford, Joe Regalbuto and Grant Shaud reprising their roles. Thirty years ago, Murphy and the gang took on hot button issues, but they return to a new world of social media, fake news and a divisive political and social climate. Jake McDorman (“Limitless”) will play Avery, Murphy’s millennial journalist son, who helps her navigate the transition.

“The Passage.” Fox. January 2019. Based on Justin Cronin’s bestselling trilogy, the series focuses his epic story on two characters. Ten-year-old Amy is a test subject for a virus that could either cure all disease or end the world. Federal agent Brad Wolgast (Mark-Paul Gosselaar) is the man who decides to protect her. Television adaptations of books don’t always work but this one has a chance to capture Cronin’s skillful combination of emotional connection and thrilling on-the-run adventure.

“The Gilded Age.” NBC. Spring 2019. Ok. Not a fall show but too exciting not to mention. This series from executive producer and “Downton Abbey” co-creator Julian Fellowes explores 1880s New York City when the wealthy lived in homes that ran the length of Fifth Avenue. Focused on a new money family trying to infiltrate the old money world of the Astors and the Vanderbilts, it’s already creating a lot of buzz.

“I Feel Bad.” NBC. Oct. 4. Charming star Sarayu Rao leads the cast of this comedy about not being the perfect mother. Mining family life in the modern era is not a new concept but with its point of view and Rao’s comedic timing, it stands out. And it’s hard not to love anything from executive producer Amy Poehler.

“Maniac.” Nextflix. Sept. 21. An intriguing concept and “Ozark’s” dynamic star Julia Garner are enough for me to binge watch this story about Annie (Emma Stone) and Owen (Jonah Hill) who participate in a drug trial that claims to cure any sickness of the mind from mental illness to heartbreak. Of course, things go terribly wrong. Also stars Sally Field.

“The First.” Hulu. Sept. 14. Sean Penn, in his first leading television role, stars in this series about the planet’s inaugural expedition to Mars. From “House of Cards” creator Beau Willimon, anticipate an engaging exploration of the human spirit, as the series focuses on both the astronauts and the families they leave behind.

“The Romanoffs.” Amazon. Oct. 12. “Mad Men” creator Matthew Weiner returns to television with an eight-episode anthology series starring some of that show’s alumni, including Christina Hendricks and John Slattery. His new series focuses on fictional people who think they are descendants of the doomed Romanovs, a Russian royal family whose seven members were executed in 1918. Each episode features a different individual or family. Weiner’s unique sensibility should make for an intriguing tale.

“Camping.” HBO. Oct. 14. From “Girls” creator Lena Dunham and Jenni Konner, this series focuses on a meticulously planned camping trip that is upended by uninvited guests and unexpected forces of nature. Jennifer Garner plays Kathryn, who organizes the trip as a birthday celebration for her husband Walt (David Tennant). When things go wrong, their shaky marriage is tested. The premise is a strong vehicle for Garner’s amiable “can-do” acting persona.

“Homecoming.” Amazon. Nov. 2. It’s a season of firsts for Hollywood stars appearing on television. In addition to Sean Penn’s debut, this fall also features Julia Roberts in her first TV series role. Roberts plays Heidi Bergman, a caseworker at a facility that helps veterans transition back to civilian life. One four-year time jump later, and Heidi has moved back to her small hometown, is living with her mother and working as a waitress. The hook is what happened, but the real draw is Roberts. — Melissa Crawley is the author of “Mr. Sorkin Goes to Washington: Shaping the President on Television’s ‘The West Wing.’” She has a Ph.D. in media studies and is a member of the Television Critics Association. To comment on Stay Tuned, email her at staytuned@outlook.com or follow her on Twitter at @MelissaCrawley.

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